Shelby Sheila Morgan

HAMILTON practices at Pacific Rim College, situated within an acupuncture and TCM clinic in the central Shawnigan Lake neighborhood of Shawnigan Lake. The clinic is conveniently located near local community centers and public parks, making it easily accessible via local public transit routes. Our clinic offers a serene environment for healing, and street parking is often available nearby.

• Tui Na (Chinese Therapeutic Massage & Bodywork): Therapeutic massage techniques integrated with acupressure, joint mobilization, and stretching to address pain, tension, stress, and promote overall physical and energetic well-being.
• TCM Observation & Palpation Diagnosis: Careful observation of your complexion, eyes, hair, nails, posture, and demeanor, combined with palpation of specific body areas or meridians to detect tenderness, temperature changes, or energetic blockages.
• Acupressure & Meridian Therapy: A non-invasive TCM technique that uses manual pressure on acupoints to address various health concerns, often taught for self-care or used as part of a broader TCM treatment.
• TCM Pulse Diagnosis (Sphygmology): Skilled palpation of the radial artery pulse at three positions and three depths on each wrist to assess the quality, strength, rhythm, and rate, reflecting the health and balance of Qi and Blood in the twelve major organ systems.
• TCM Tongue Diagnosis: Detailed observation of the tongue's color, shape, size, coating, cracks, and moisture to gain crucial insights into the state of your internal organs, fluid balance, and overall energetic balance.
• Comprehensive TCM Health Assessment & Pattern Diagnosis: A detailed initial consultation involving an in-depth discussion of your health history, symptoms, lifestyle, emotional state, and a traditional TCM diagnostic assessment (palpation, observation, listening/smelling, pulse, and tongue diagnosis) to identify your unique TCM pattern of disharmony.
• Moxibustion (Moxa Therapy): A warming therapy using various forms of moxa (e.g., moxa sticks, cones, moxa boxes) to promote circulation, relieve pain (especially cold-type pain like arthritis), boost immunity, and enhance the effects of acupuncture treatment.

Note: This list highlights some key services. For a full list of therapies offered by HAMILTON, or to discuss your specific needs, please contact the clinic.

All services are provided in accordance with the scope of practice for Registered TCM Practitioners in BC and the standards set by The College of Complementary Health Professionals of BC.

At Pacific Rim College, Traditional Chinese Medicine and Acupuncture are focused on helping individuals like you achieve significant improvements in health, well-being, and daily activities. HAMILTON frequently helps patients work towards goals such as:

• The path to overcoming dizziness, lightheadedness, or vertigo that affects my balance and daily activities and achieving effective alleviation of some common side effects associated with conventional medical treatments like chemotherapy is often clearer with TCM. HAMILTON guides patients toward reclaiming activities such as handling their job that involves frequent standing, walking, or bending with better ease with improved health.
• Understanding that sports injuries like sprains, strains, or tendonitis needing faster healing can be frustrating, HAMILTON applies TCM wisdom to help patients achieve enjoying consistently more restful, deeper, and restorative sleep patterns, waking up refreshed, making it possible to rediscover the joy in shoveling snow or raking leaves without aggravating their back.
• Patients struggling with TMJ, jaw pain, or teeth grinding that causes discomfort and headaches can find dedicated support from HAMILTON. The therapeutic focus is on achieving experiencing markedly fewer and less severe menopausal symptoms, such as hot flashes, night sweats, and mood changes, using a range of TCM modalities to facilitate a return to meaningful daily activities such as reducing reliance on pain, sleep, or anxiety medications (always under medical guidance).
• Acupuncture and TCM with HAMILTON can be a turning point for those affected by wanting help to quit smoking or manage withdrawal symptoms from other addictions. The goal is achieving enhanced stress management capabilities and improved coping mechanisms for daily pressures, paving the way for you to enjoy walking up and down several flights of stairs without issue and a more balanced, vibrant life.

Your personalized TCM treatment plan, developed with HAMILTON, will be designed to help you reach your specific functional and wellness objectives using a holistic and time-tested approach.

HAMILTON practices at Pacific Rim College, situated within an acupuncture and TCM clinic in the central Shawnigan Lake neighborhood of Shawnigan Lake. The clinic is conveniently located near local community centers and public parks, making it easily accessible via local public transit routes. Our clinic offers a serene environment for healing, and street parking is often available nearby.

Are Acupuncture and Traditional Chinese Medicine services covered by Medical Services Plan (MSP) in BC?

Acupuncture and TCM services provided by a Registered Acupuncturist (R.Ac) or Registered TCM Practitioner (R.TCMP) in a private clinic are generally NOT covered by provincial health plans like MSP in BC. Patients typically pay out-of-pocket for these services. It is advisable to check with private or extended health insurance plans, as many offer some coverage for services provided by registered practitioners, though coverage levels vary significantly.

What is Acupuncture and how can it help me?

Acupuncture, performed by a qualified Registered TCM Practitioner, involves inserting thin needles at specific points on your body to restore the flow of vital energy or Qi. Based on TCM principles, it can help manage pain (such as back pain or headaches), reduce stress, support digestive health, alleviate menstrual issues, and promote overall wellness by activating your body's natural healing mechanisms.

Do I need a doctor's referral to see a Registered TCM Practitioner in BC?

In BC, patients can typically see a Registered TCM Practitioner directly without a physician's referral (known as direct access). However, some private or extended health insurance plans may require a referral for reimbursement purposes. It is recommended to verify your insurance policy requirements before your appointment.

Are Chinese Herbal Medicines safe? (If prescribed by an R.TCMP or Dr.TCM)

When prescribed by a qualified and Registered TCM Practitioner (R.TCMP) or Doctor of TCM (Dr.TCM) with extensive training in herbal pharmacology, Chinese herbal formulas are generally safe and effective. R.TCMPs are trained to identify herb quality, potential herb-drug interactions, and contraindications, especially during pregnancy or for specific health conditions. Patients should inform their practitioner of all medications and health conditions and avoid self-prescribing herbs from unreliable sources to prevent risks such as incorrect diagnosis, contamination, or adverse interactions.

What are Qi and Meridians in TCM?

In TCM, **Qi** is considered the vital life energy that flows through the body, supporting physiological functions and overall vitality. **Meridians** are specific pathways through which Qi and Blood circulate, connecting internal organs with the body's surface and extremities. Acupuncture points along these meridians are used to influence Qi flow, restore balance, and promote health.

What is Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) and how can a Registered TCM Practitioner help?

TCM is a holistic health system rooted in ancient Chinese philosophy. A Registered TCM Practitioner assesses your overall health by observing physical signs and using diagnostic tools like tongue and pulse diagnosis. Treatment modalities include acupuncture, herbal medicine, cupping, moxibustion, and dietary/lifestyle advice to restore balance and facilitate healing.

Does acupuncture hurt? Are the needles safe?

Acupuncture needles are very thin, sterile, and single-use, typically causing minimal discomfort—often just a tiny prick. During treatment, you may feel sensations such as dull ache, warmth, tingling, or heaviness, which usually indicate Qi activation. Most patients find acupuncture relaxing. Registered practitioners strictly adhere to safety standards by using only sterile, disposable needles. Always communicate with your practitioner if you experience any discomfort.

Pacific Rim College
1760 Shawnigan Lake-Mill Bay Rd.
Shawnigan Lake, BC, V0R 2W0

Phone: (250) 929-6116

Shelby Sheila Morgan is regulated by the Health Professions Act (British Columbia) in BC and is a registered member of The College of Complementary Health Professionals of BC.

Registration can typically be verified with The College of Complementary Health Professionals of BC.

Traditional Chinese Medicine and Acupuncture are holistic therapies. It is recommended to also consult with your medical doctor for diagnosis of serious conditions and for emergency medical care. TCM can often complement conventional treatments effectively.